Fertilizer for a Privet Hedge
Privet (Ligustrum spp.) is a tall shrub often planted as a privacy hedge. Growing 15 to 18 feet tall, it is usually trimmed to a more manageable height. Gardeners appreciate the privet hedge for its fast growth and full habit. To maximize growth and fullness, it is sometimes necessary to fertilize privets.
Plant Culture
Plant privet hedges in full sun in moist, well-drained soil. Though not picky about soil, adding compost provides natural nutrition and improves nutrient transfer from fertilizer to plant roots. Once established privet hedges need to be watered only during prolonged drought.
- is a tall shrub often planted as a privacy hedge.
- Once established privet hedges need to be watered only during prolonged drought.
Nutrition
A privet hedge's need for nutrition is not extraordinary. Privets can get nutrients from soil, decomposing mulch, leaf and twig matter and fertilizer from adjacent lawns. A privet hedge only needs to be fertilized if it shows signs of malnutrition, such as yellowing leaves or reduced vigor, or when faster growth is desired.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer for privet hedges should be approximately balanced. Balanced fertilizers contain roughly equal amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). N-P-K ratios should be about 15-15-15 or 30-30-30.
Application
Apply fertilizer in spring to encourage abundant spring growth. Gently scratch fertilizer into the soil or replenish mulch on top of the fertilizer to keep granules from washing away during rain and irrigation. If faster growth is desired, apply again in late summer or early fall. In hot climates, such as Florida, privets can take three applications per growing season.
- A privet hedge's need for nutrition is not extraordinary.
- A privet hedge only needs to be fertilized if it shows signs of malnutrition, such as yellowing leaves or reduced vigor, or when faster growth is desired.
Warning
Use fertilizer sparingly on privets the first year after planting. Too much nitrogen encourages leaf growth that the roots cannot yet support. The tender, leafy growth is easily damaged in hot summer sun and drought. Don't fertilize privet in mid- to late-fall because fresh, late-season growth can be damaged by frost.
Fertilizer For A Privet Hedge
Established privet hedges aren't finicky, but this type of low-maintenance health requires a good foundation. Proper soil amendment at the time of planting is part of that foundation. Whatever the recommended application amounts on the label, split the required dosage into two equal parts and apply it in an even row down each side of your privet hedge. During this time, the privet hedge's root network has the highest level of nutrient uptake, whereas actively growing privet shrubs don't absorb as many nutrients during the shoot-production phase. Additionally, avoid fertilizing your privets more than necessary; these shrubs only require fertilization if they start to turn pale or stop growing. Excess fertilization in gardens and farms leads to fertilizer runoff and water pollution, and may also harm the plant.
- Use fertilizer sparingly on privets the first year after planting.
- Additionally, avoid fertilizing your privets more than necessary; these shrubs only require fertilization if they start to turn pale or stop growing.
Related Articles
References
- University of California Integrated Pest Management: Privet
- National Gardening Association: Privet Cultivation
- North Carolina State University Extension: Planting Trees and Shrubs
- University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Fertilizing Trees and Shrubs
- National Gardening Association: Fertilizer for Privets
Writer Bio
Robert Lewis has been writing do-it-yourself and garden-related articles since 2000. He holds a B.A. in history from the University of Maryland and has training experience in finance, garden center retailing and teaching English as a second language. Lewis is an antiques dealer specializing in Chinese and Japanese export porcelain.
